NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Safety and ComplianceHard
A phlebotomy technician is preparing to draw blood from a patient with a known history of hepatitis B. What is the minimum level of personal protective equipment (PPE) required for this procedure?
- ASterile gloves, gown, and N95 respirator.
- BClean gloves and a surgical mask.
- CClean gloves, gown, and eye protection.
- DClean gloves.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Clean gloves.
Hepatitis B is a bloodborne pathogen, and standard precautions apply to all patients, regardless of their known infection status. For venipuncture, the minimum PPE required by standard precautions is clean gloves. Gowns, masks, and eye protection are added based on the anticipated risk of splashes or sprays.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This level of PPE is for airborne precautions and high-risk aerosol-generating procedures, not routine venipuncture for hepatitis B.
- B. A surgical mask is for droplet precautions or splash protection, not routinely needed for hepatitis B venipuncture unless splashes are anticipated.
- C. A gown and eye protection would only be necessary if there was an anticipated risk of blood splashing or spraying, which is not routine for venipuncture.
Standard Precautions for Bloodborne Pathogens
Infection control practices that assume all blood and body fluids are potentially infectious, requiring the use of PPE based on the anticipated exposure.
- Apply to ALL patients, regardless of diagnosis.
- Primary PPE for venipuncture is clean gloves.
- Hepatitis B, C, and HIV are transmitted through bloodborne routes.
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